State police investigate shooting in Clinton County

Police are investigating a shooting reported earlier this week in Clinton County.

Plattsburgh-based state police say they received a report of a shooting at a mobile home in the town of Saranac at 11:49 p.m. Sunday.

A preliminary investigation revealed that 35-year-old Jamie F. LaPorte of Saranac sustained a single gunshot wound to the head while visiting a residence on Standish Road.

Investigators say LaPorte was at the home of 42-year-old Clark P. Ray when the incident occurred. He attempted to drive from the scene, but crashed into a snow bank on Cold Brook Road; police and rescue personnel were subsequently called to the scene.

Police say LaPorte remained conscious throughout and was able to provide details of the shooting incident, noting that there were numerous weapons in Ray's residence.

That prompted state troopers to respond to the home, where a perimeter was established. Ray did not immediately exit the residence or communicate with police.

A search warrant was obtained and efforts to make contact with Ray continued though the night until about 12:39 p.m. Monday, when the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team was given clearance to enter the home and take him into custody.

He was arraigned in Saranac Town Court Monday evening and remanded to Clinton County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.

Following the incident, LaPorte was transferred to the Fletcher Allen Health Care Center in Burlington, Vermont. He underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the head and remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

LaPorte was still listed in stable condition as of Wednesday morning.

The shooting remains under investigation by New York State Police and Clinton County District Attorney Andrew P. Wylie.